PhD in Quantum Error Correction Codes for Cat Qubits at Sorbonne Université – France

Summary

Alice & Bob SAS in Paris, France, invites applications for a fully funded, 36-month PhD position in quantum error correction codes for Schrödinger cat qubits. The successful candidate will join the Error Correction team to work on code construction and logic for biased-noise qubits as part of the QuBriC Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. The doctoral degree will be awarded by Sorbonne Université. Key duties include developing QEC codes, designing logical-gate protocols, running hardware-in-the-loop simulations, benchmarking performance, and contributing to open research tools. Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Quantum Engineering or Physics, have proficiency in Python, and meet MSCA mobility criteria. The position offers a starting salary of €37,000 gross per year, progressing to €47,000 in the third year, alongside statutory benefits and secondment opportunities.

Key Facts

Department	Error Correction
Position Type	PhD Candidate
Discipline	Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Quantum Computing, and Quantum Information
Research Area	Quantum Error Correction Codes for Cat Qubits
Degree Required	Master's degree in Quantum Engineering or Physics
Experience	Background in quantum information or quantum computing.
Salary	€37,000 to €47,000 annual gross salary (€37,000 in Year 1, €42,000 in Year 2, and €47,000 in Year 3)
Funding	Fully funded, fixed-term employment contract (CDD) under the QuBriC MSCA Doctoral Network
Contract Duration	36 months
Language	English
Deadline	2026-12-18

About the Project

The doctoral project, titled "Code Construction & Logic for Biased-Noise Qubits", investigates the unique noise characteristics of Schrödinger cat qubits to build hardware-efficient quantum error correction codes. The research aims to develop high-rate, biased-noise-adapted QEC codes, construct logical-gate protocols, and validate performance through simulations and experimental benchmarking, directly advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and benchmark high-rate quantum error correction codes adapted to biased-noise qubits.
• Design logical-gate protocols compatible with error correction codes and hardware constraints.
• Conduct hardware-in-the-loop simulations and small-scale cat-qubit experimental validations.
• Benchmark noise performance and decoder compatibility under biased-noise models.
• Contribute to an open online library of quantum error correction codes and logical protocols.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Participate in doctoral training activities and research secondments at international partner institutions.

Required Skills

• Master's degree in Quantum Engineering or Physics.
• Demonstrated background in quantum information or quantum computing.
• Proficiency in Python for scientific programming and quantitative analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills.
• Compliance with MSCA mobility rules and doctoral candidate requirements.

Who Should Apply

Candidates who hold a Master's degree in Quantum Engineering or Physics by the recruitment date, possess background knowledge in quantum computing or quantum information, and demonstrate scientific programming skills in Python should apply. Applicants must meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions eligibility criteria, including doctoral candidate status and the mobility rule restricting prior residency in France.

Benefits

• Annual gross salary of €37,000 (Year 1), €42,000 (Year 2), and €47,000 (Year 3).
• French social security coverage under a fixed-term employment contract.
• BSPCE employee equity incentive plan participation opportunities.
• Potential bonuses for intellectual property contributions to core patents.
• Hybrid work policy allowing up to 40% remote work per month.
• Parental support including potential crèche support and extra care days off.
• Subsidised Urban Sports Club membership.
• Mental health support via moka.care.
• 25 days of annual leave.

About the Employer

Alice & Bob SAS is a quantum computing company based in Paris, France, focusing on fault-tolerant quantum computing and Schrödinger cat qubit technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the PhD researcher be based?

The researcher will be based at Alice & Bob SAS in Paris, France, with academic co-supervision by Inria Paris and a degree awarded by Sorbonne Université.

What is the duration and gross annual salary of the position?

The position is a 36-month full-time appointment offering a gross annual salary of €37,000 in Year 1, €42,000 in Year 2, and €47,000 in Year 3.

What are the degree requirements for this position?

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Quantum Engineering or Physics by the recruitment date.

Are there mobility requirements under MSCA rules?

Yes, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment.